New years resolution- Voluntary work?

[nuttynugget]

Hi,

Like most I am making my new years resolutions such as riding my horse more, losing that little bit of weight thats bothering me.. but my biggest one is to be happy. Looking back on 2011 I realise now I wasn't happy at all and now its time to change that!

Whilst riding my horse this morning I was trying to work out what would make me happy and I decided I really want to do some voluntary work. Has anyone had any experience of this? There is a RDA group nearby I was thinking of e-mailing.. but do you think they would take me seriously e-mailing on 01/01/2012 and should I wait a few weeks?

On another spectrum I was thinking of doing voluntary work abroad, I'm only 22 and really would like to do something worthy with my time. Has anyone experience of this?

Any advice would be grately appreciated!!!

 

[Firewell]

Ooh good question! I don't know the answer but I just wanted to say that I've had exactly the same thought process as you and I really want to do some voluntary work as well. I'll be interested to hear the replies.
So far my ideas have been a helpline person for the Samaritans (I have experience of doing medical and death cases over the phone in the past so hopefully I should be quite helpful). Totally different there is also a donkey sanctuary near me that I might call to see if they need help.

Good luck .

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Sorry I've no experience of volunteering abroad, so can't help you there but I do know that there are several reputable organisations that will sponsor you. VSO is the 1st one which springs to mind.
Your local RDA group will, I'm sure be pleased to hear from you. If you e-mail today, they don't have to reply today - it's not like a phone call which has to be answered immediately.
25(?) years ago I rang my local RDA group after reading an article in the local paper, requesting volunteers. Since then, I've volunteered every Summer Monday evening for years, been a member of the committee since the large group split into 2 areas and been the Group Organiser. The majority of the riders in our group have learning disabilities, some also have physical disabilities, a few have mental health issues and one or two have all three.
I (and sis) volunteered "in order to give something back" after we bought our 2nd shared horse. In fact although obviously the riders do benefit from the riding, we have benefitted just as much. We have both been able to mention RDA in our CVs, as we work in related fields. We have made very good friends, helped to run shows, learned a lot about keeping/riding different horses, been invited to judge and steward at shows, including BSPS classes, met loads of knowledgeable people and always have someone to ask for another opinion about all matters equestrian.

 

[nuttynugget]

Thank you for your experiences Pearlsacarolsinger! I think I will definitely drop them an e-mail as a start.. I think overseas may be a step too far for me! plus I can't fit my horse in my suitcase

Festivefirewell- good luck to you as well!! I wish there was a donkey sanctuary near me

 

[noggin667]

The RDA would definitely welcome your email I work for one of the RDA Groups and without the volunteers we wouldn't be able to function. Previous to working with the RDA I was a volunteer for 7 years and had the opportunity to meet to many people, see some wonderful things, learn lots and have the chance to go to the regional and national competitions.